Preamble
In Oracle PLSQL Synonym is an alternative name for objects such as tables, views, sequences, stored procedures and other database objects.
Typically, you use synonyms when you provide access to an object from another schema, and you don’t want users to worry about which schema the object belongs to.
Create (or Replace) Synonym
You can create a synonym so that users do not use a table name prefix with the schema name when using a table in a query.
Syntax for creating Oracle/PLSQL synonyms
CREATE [OR REPLACE] [PUBLIC] SYNONYM [schema .] synonym_name
FOR [schema .] object_name [@ dblink];
OR REPLACE
Allows you to recreate a synonym (if it already exists), without having to issue the DROP synonym command.
- PUBLIC – This means that the synonym is public and available to all users. Remember that the user must first have the appropriate privileges for the synonym object.
- schema – The appropriate schema. If this phrase is omitted, Oracle assumes that you are referring to your own schema.
- object_name – The name of the object for which you are creating the synonym. It can be one of the following objects:
- table
- view
- sequence
- stored procedure
- function
- package
- materialized view
- java class schema object
- user-defined object
- synonym
Let’s consider an example of how to create a synonym in Oracle/PLSQL
CREATE PUBLIC SYNONYM suppliers
FOR app;
This first example of CREATE SYNONYM demonstrates how to create a synonym with the name. Now, users of other schemes can reference the table with suppliers without the prefix of the scheme name and table name.
SELECT *
FROM suppliers;
If this synonym already exists and you want to recreate it, you can use OR REPLACE as follows:
CREATE OR REPLACE PUBLIC SYNONYM suppliers
FOR app.suppliers;
Drop synonym
After the synonym was created in Oracle, you will need to remove it at some point.
drop synonym syntax in Oracle/PLSQL
DROP [PUBLIC] SYNONYM [schema .] synonym_name [force];
- PUBLIC – Allows you to remove the public synonym. If you specified a PUBLIC, you may not need to specify a schema.
- Force – This will force Oracle to remove the synonym, even if it has dependencies. This is probably not a good idea to use force, as it can invalidate Oracle objects.
Let us consider an example of how to remove synonym in Oracle/PLSQL
For example:
DROP PUBLIC SYNONYM;
The DROP operator will delete the synonym with the name of suppliers that we defined earlier.
About Enteros
Enteros offers a patented database performance management SaaS platform. It proactively identifies root causes of complex business-impacting database scalability and performance issues across a growing number of clouds, RDBMS, NoSQL, and machine learning database platforms.
The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Enteros Inc. This blog may contain links to the content of third-party sites. By providing such links, Enteros Inc. does not adopt, guarantee, approve, or endorse the information, views, or products available on such sites.
Are you interested in writing for Enteros’ Blog? Please send us a pitch!
RELATED POSTS
How Intelligent Database Analytics Improves Data Infrastructure Performance in Modern Hospital Management Systems
- 20 May 2026
- Database Performance Management
Introduction Healthcare organizations are undergoing rapid digital transformation. Hospitals now rely on advanced technologies such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), telemedicine platforms, AI-driven diagnostics, medical imaging systems, and hospital management systems to deliver faster and more efficient patient care. At the center of these systems lies a powerful data infrastructure supported by complex databases. Modern … Continue reading “How Intelligent Database Analytics Improves Data Infrastructure Performance in Modern Hospital Management Systems”
Enhancing Retail Platform Performance and Customer Experience with Intelligent Database Analytics
- 19 May 2026
- Database Performance Management
Retail has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. With the rapid growth of digital commerce, omnichannel experiences, and real-time customer engagement, modern retail platforms depend heavily on high-performance data infrastructure. From product searches and inventory updates to personalized recommendations and checkout transactions, every step of the customer journey relies on fast, reliable, and … Continue reading “Enhancing Retail Platform Performance and Customer Experience with Intelligent Database Analytics”
How to Optimize Retail Infrastructure Costs with Enteros Database Optimization and Azure Cost Allocation
Introduction The retail industry is rapidly evolving as organizations embrace cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, ecommerce expansion, omnichannel operations, and data-intensive customer engagement platforms. Modern retailers must manage increasingly complex digital infrastructures while delivering seamless customer experiences across online stores, physical retail locations, mobile applications, and supply chain ecosystems. Today’s retail organizations rely heavily on digital … Continue reading “How to Optimize Retail Infrastructure Costs with Enteros Database Optimization and Azure Cost Allocation”
How to Strengthen Ecommerce Scalability with Enteros AIOps Platform and Financial Intelligence
Introduction The ecommerce industry is evolving rapidly as organizations embrace cloud-native infrastructures, AI-powered customer engagement, real-time analytics, and digital commerce platforms to support global growth and customer expectations. Modern ecommerce businesses must manage massive operational complexity while delivering seamless digital experiences across websites, mobile applications, marketplaces, and omnichannel retail systems. Today’s ecommerce organizations rely heavily … Continue reading “How to Strengthen Ecommerce Scalability with Enteros AIOps Platform and Financial Intelligence”